Park Trails

Montauk Lake Trail

Montauk Lake Trail is popular with hikers, bicyclists and even walkers with strollers for small children because of its level surface. This trail makes use of a road open only to authorized motor vehicles, making it a safe place to stroll. The walk begins with crossing the bridge over the spring branch, followed by the catch-and-release fly fishing area and the trout rearing pools. On the opposite bank from the wheelchair-accessible fishing access, the waters of Bluff Spring flow out from the base of the stone cliff. This spring supplies the water for the trout rearing pools, the hatchery and the wetland area. This unique wetland area is actually what remains of the old hatchery rearing pools that now serve as a man-made wetland. The trail goes by Montauk Lake, which is fed by what looks like boiling springs of sand. The trail loops by the headwaters of the Current River, around the wetland area and then back to the hatchery office. Montauk Lake Trail offers excellent opportunities to view wildlife including bald eagles, ducks, otters, deer, armadillo, bobcats, rabbits, belted kingfisher, great blue heron, beavers, muskrats, mink, and a host of other aquatic creatures.

Paved Bicycle Trail

This is a short level trail that is lighted and has a bench by the banks of the Current River for resting and enjoying the area. The trail runs from the bridge over the Current River near campground loop 1 to Montauk Lodge.

Pine Ridge Trail

Pine Ridge Trail follows a “C” shape with trailheads on either end. The trail begins near the stone picnic shelter, which was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The trail then crosses the stone and concrete footbridge before traveling uphill into the 25-acre Montauk Upland Forest Natural Area. This natural area represents a good example of a mature pine-oak-hickory woodland. At the top of the hill, the trail levels out, crosses Highway 119 and continues through mature stands of shortleaf pines, the only pine native to Missouri. The trail crosses the road again and gradually descends until you get to the bottom of a ravine. After crossing a footbridge, the trail goes up a steep grade to a summit with scenic views. It is a good place to take a break to enjoy the scenery. The trail begins to descend again and offers great views of the areas fed by Bluff Spring, Montauk Lake and the wetland area. Along the trail, a variety of flowering plants and fleeting glimpses of wildlife are common.